Paul begins this section with a legitimate question: Has God rejected His people? The answer is no, as Paul himself is a Jew. What Paul is demonstrating is that salvation has always been based on grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). He references the story of Elijah, who felt he was alone in Israel, the only one serving God. However, God reminds Elijah that he is not alone; God has kept a remnant chosen by grace (Romans 11:5).

The main point Paul is making once again is that salvation is based on grace and not on works. It is God who keeps the heart of man (Isaiah 55:8-9, Philippians 2:12-13). This should inspire great hope, as there are individuals in every religious setting who are waiting to receive the truth of salvation in Christ alone. God has kept those remnants waiting for the truth of Christ to set them free from their religiosity.

Salvation has never depended on what I can offer to God in service to be accepted; it has always been a gift given from above (Genesis 3:21, Romans 4:4-5, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5). The works of Israel serve as an example that salvation cannot be obtained through mere religiosity but can only be received as a gift. The only thing works produce is pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness, which ultimately become a snare and a trap.

It takes a work of God, given to man as a gift, to release them from the trap of self-righteousness and to help them embrace the righteousness given to them by God on the basis of grace through faith (1 Corinthians 5:21). Then the works that are done are not based upon the obtaining of salvation, but rather based the love of God for others. It is the gift of a changed nature a nature aligned to God’s(Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 2:20, John 15:5)

Father God, thank You for reminding us that we are never alone, even when we may feel that way. Just as You assured Elijah that a remnant was preserved, we know that You have kept us as well. Help us to trust in Your plan and to serve You as we grow in our understanding of You. As the future unfolds and history is written, guard us against self-righteousness and pride, and lead us to turn to You, Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.